Skiing in Japan is a popular winter activity, and it's not hard to see why. There are many famous ski resorts in Japan, and the country has some of the best snow conditions in the world, with more than 500 resorts across the country.
Japan's ski runs are also some of the most accessible in the world — many resorts offer multi-day lift passes valid at several locations within the same area. Japan's powdery slopes are known for being well-maintained and groomed so that even beginners can enjoy their time on the mountain without fear of getting lost or falling off.
There are also plenty of options for non-skiers who want to experience what it's like to be surrounded by snow-capped mountains while enjoying their holiday in Japan. There is also plenty of onsens (hot springs) around these areas where you can soak your tired muscles after a day on the slopes.
The season typically runs from December to March, with January being one of the best times to visit. So read along, and find out how you can book your plans for the famous ski resorts in Japan.
1. Recommended Ski Resorts in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the northernmost point of Japan, a sacred place for skiing and snowboarding, and is visited by many tourists from both Japan and abroad. Most of the resort areas have large-scale facilities such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions that can accommodate large numbers of visitors.
Hokkaido has many ski resorts with beautiful scenery, like Biei or Asahidake. However, some high-level spots,, such as Rusutsu Resort, Niseko Village, or Furano Ski Resort, offer various activities, such as dog sledding or hot air balloon trips, in addition to skiing or snowboarding.
If you want to ski and snowboard in Japan, you must visit Hokkaido. The region has more than hundreds of ski resorts and slopes to choose from.
All-you-can-play winter activities in Furano! (With hot spring and meal included)
Shimizuyama, Furano, Hokkaido
Half-day snowshoeing private tour in Furano! (Pets are welcome)
Shimanoshita, Furano, Hokkaido
Hike the snowy forests of Niseko and take many videos and photos using GoPro camera! (Snacks included)
Motomachi, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido
Winter play experience for your little ones! Have fun outdoors & indoors in Niseko
Chūōdōri, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido
2. Recommended Ski Resorts in Tohoku
The Tohoku region comprises six prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima. With its abundance of snowfall in winter, Tohoku has around 60 ski resorts and slopes spread across the mountainous countryside. Many tourists come from the Kanto region, including Tokyo to visit some of the famous ski resorts in Japan, like Zao Onsen Aki resort in Yamagata and Appi Kogen Ski resort in Iwate.
If you are thinking about visiting a ski resort in Tohoku during your stay in Japan, why not try some other attractions as well? In addition to skiing, there are many other things to do here, such as touring around on a snowmobile or taking a hot spring bath after skiing.
Snowboarding tour at Zao Onsen ski resort! Recommended for families, couples, and solo travelers
Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Ride a canoe and sled on the frozen river in Iwate! (Children-friendly course)
Junichome, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
Forest snowshoe trekking tour with a certified guide | (Coffee and snacks included)
Satoguri, Fujikoto, Fujisato-cho, Yamamoto-gun, Akita Prefecture
Ride a snowmobile and run through the pure white snow fields!
Junichome, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
3. Recommended Ski Resorts in Koushinetsu
The Koushinetsu region is located in the center of Japan and consists of three prefectures: Niigata, Nagano, and Yamanashi. Koushinetsu has the largest number of ski resorts and slopes in Japan. Especially Niigata Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture are dotted with many famous ski resorts, slopes, and ski lifts. On the other hand, Yamanashi Prefecture is your spot for smelt fishing from a dome ship.
Nagano Prefecture has many ski resorts that are easily accessible from Tokyo by train. The most popular destination is Hakuba, but there are also other ski resorts, such as Iizuna Resort Ski Resort, Ryuoo Ski Park, and Shiga Kogen, that you can visit easily.
Niigata Prefecture is known for its high-quality powder snow and long seasons with ample snowfall throughout the year. It is also one of the most popular places for first-time skiers to learn how to ski because it has gentle slopes that are suitable for beginners. Some of the leading ski resorts you wouldn't want to miss are GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort, Naeba Ski Resort, and Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort.
One-day lift ticket at NASPA ski garden (Beginner-friendly course)
Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
Flextime 1-day lift ticket (8.5 hour ticket) at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort | Not available on the day of purchase
Ishiuchi, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Ropeway round-trip ticket at Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort | Cannot be used on the day of purchase
Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minami Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
Snowmobile forest tour in Nagano
Taira, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Night trekking in the snowy fields under the starry sky | Children-friendly course - Regional coupon available plan
Taira, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
4. Recommended Ski Resorts in Kanto
The Kanto region comprises seven prefectures: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma. Most ski resorts located in the northern Kanto area are Gunma and Tochigi Ski Resorts. These areas have plenty of suitable slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers, and advanced off-piste skiing for experts.
The most popular ski resort is the Minakami Kogen Ski Resort, which is only a driving distance from Tokyo. This ski resort has plenty of activities, such as snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, sledding, and more! Minakami Kogen also offers great onsen (hot spring) facilities so you can relax after a long day on the slopes.
Snowshoe trekking half-day tour in Gunma Minakami forest
Kamimoku, Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture
Beginner-friendly snowboarding lessons by professional snowboarders (half-day course)
Terama, Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture
Animal watching snowshoe half-day tour: Great adventure trekking the snowy silver world! (Free pick-up and charter tour available)
Terama, Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture
Skiing and snowboarding lessons (4-hours course)
Kanosawa, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma
Half-day air board (bodyboard) fun snow activity (Lift ticket included) *Regional coupons available
Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture
5. Recommended Ski Resorts in Tokai
Tokai is a region located in central Honshu, Japan. The area consists of four prefectures, Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Shizuoka. This region has long been considered "the gateway to the Japanese Alps" because it is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It's also known for its hot springs and onsen towns. This area's most recommended ski resorts and slopes are located in Gifu, which is famous for its powder snow. Takasu Snow Park and Dynaland are on our list of the most recommended ski resorts, where you can take a skiing lesson or a snowmobile ride.
Ride an ATV through the snowy forests and enjoy the adrenaline rush
Shingumachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Half-day skiing lessons in Gifu (Beginner-friendly course)
Nishibora, Takasucho-cho, Gujo-shi, Gifu
6. Recommended Ski Resorts in Kansai
The Kansai region includes Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, and Wakayama, and last but not least, Shiga prefecture, which is home to Hakodateyama Ski Area. This popular ski resort is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders alike. Hakodateyama features 3 km of slopes and around eight lifts. This ski resort is a wintertime haven for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. It offers trails for every ability level, a children's ski area, and scenic lake views.
Half-day snowshoeing tour at Hakodateyama ski resort
Hiokimae, Imazu-cho, Takashima-shi, Shiga
Beginner and children-friendly snowshoeing tour (lunch included)
Katsuno, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
Snowboarding tour at Hakodateyama Ski Area
Hiokimae, Imazu-cho, Takashima-shi, Shiga
Frequently asked questions
QHow many ski resorts are there in Japan?
AJapan boasts around 500 ski resorts to choose from, with hundreds of runs to explore, as well as slopes for all ability levels. Ski resorts have an abundance of natural powder and plenty of variety for any winter sports lover.
QWhere are the most famous ski resorts in Japan?
ASome of the most famous ski resorts are on the northern island of Hokkaido. However, if you want to be closer to Tokyo and still have your pick of high-quality powder snow, then head to Niigata or Nagano.
QShould I bring my ski gear to Japan?
AYou wouldn't need to bring your skiing gear to Japan, as there are plenty of stores that rent them out, as well as resorts that provide all means for you to have a good time with your friends.
QWhy should I go skiing in Japan?
AIt's no secret that Japan offers some of the best powder snow in the world, which is why it's perfect for beginners and experts alike. The country experiences a significant number of snowfall—think soft, fluffy slopes, and you're halfway to being an expert yourself!
